Elcho Island Arts is a community operated art centre celebrated for its originality and use of traditional bush materials. Located in Galiwin'ku, north-east of the Arnhem Land coastline, Elcho Island Arts specialises in weavings, fibre art, carvings, ceremonial poles and painted artworks. The art centre also supports emerging and established artists from Galiwin'ku and neighboring Marthakal homelands, offering workshops in professional development artwork production and design.

The colours of fibre art are unique to the Yolŋu weavers of Elcho Island. They harvest pandanus leaves from the bush, which are dried in the sun to create the fibre for their weavings. Some are left natural, some are dyed yellow using the yellow using the Djundum root, and some are dyed red using the crushed Yiringaning bulb. The natural, red and yellow fibres are woven into their beautiful creations which is reflected by the baskets, bush string bags, hanging fish, earrings and bracelets on display.

Mavis Ganambarr is one of Australia’s leading fibre artists. She began fibre work under the watchful eye of her grandmother and aunties on Elcho Island where she lives with her husband and children. Passing on her knowledge of plants, recipes and techniques to a new generation helps them understand this important part of their culture and how to keep their country strong.

Artist: Mavis Ganambarr
Catalogue Number: 15273-19
Dimensions: 29cm W x 18cm H x 5cm W

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